Courtesy: Campbelltown Macarthur Advertiser


Rookie teams in surprise win

by Sean Cunningham

16 May, 2012

ST HELENS Park Public School's first outing in the Sydney South West Regional Futsal Championships tournament has led to success and a berth in the finals.

The school entered two teams, a junior boys' and a senior girls' team.

Both have qualified for the Schools State Futsal Championships at Penrith in August following their impressive results in the regional championships at Minto Indoor Sports Stadium.

Assistant principal Craig Harris, who is also the coach, was proud of his players' efforts.

"We had no training sessions and had to pick the team based on what we saw them do in the playground, and from previous teams," he said.

"To do as well as we did was a great surprise.

"We weren't sure what we'd be up against as most of the other schools were bigger schools.

"The good thing is we've got a bit of time up our sleeves to do a bit more training.

"We have a bit more structure in our positional play and I hope we'll be competitive."

The boys' team recorded two victories and two losses, while the girls' team won four of their six games — both doing enough to reach the finals as runners-up.

For many of the players, it was their first crack at the indoor version of soccer.

"Most of the players had never played futsal and over half don't play soccer outside of school," Harris said. "Most of the girls' team don't play soccer and only three play weekend sport.

"Once the players got used to the playing surface and familiarised themselves with the rules, you could see the improvement."




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com